Looking for a close-in Houston ZIP with quicker commutes and approachable prices? If you have your eye on the East End, 77012 puts you near major job centers, parks, and authentic neighborhood dining without a premium price tag. In this guide, you’ll learn what the commute looks like, which parks and amenities you’ll find, and the housing types common on these blocks. Let’s dive in.
Where 77012 sits in Houston
77012 sits in Houston’s East End, east and southeast of Downtown and close to the Ship Channel. Its central point is near latitude 29.718 and longitude -95.202, which helps explain the straightforward access to freeways and nearby job hubs. You can explore the ZIP’s basic profile and map context on the HometownLocator ZIP profile.
Population estimates place 77012 around 16,000 to 18,000 residents. The area has a large Hispanic majority and household incomes below metro averages, according to American Community Survey data summarized on CensusReporter. As with any Houston ZIP, conditions can vary by block, so plan to verify details at the property level.
Commute and transportation in 77012
Driving access and typical times
You have several major road options around 77012: I‑45, the East Loop of I‑610, and State Highway 225, plus local arterials like Harrisburg, Lawndale, Navigation, and Telephone. These routes connect directly to Downtown, the Medical Center, and the Port. Typical drive times from East End areas are often reported as about 10 to 20 minutes to Downtown, 15 to 25 minutes to the Texas Medical Center, and 20 to 30 minutes or more to the Galleria depending on traffic. For context and planning, see the East End overview on Houston Properties.
Transit options
METRO operates bus routes that feed into the Magnolia Park Transit Center and connect to the METRORail Green Line toward Downtown. Transit can work well for some commutes, especially if you are near key corridors. For schedules and trip planning resources, visit the METRO site and use the trip planner by route and time of day.
Walking and biking
Walkability varies by block. Commercial corridors often provide more services within a short distance, while interior residential streets feel quieter and more residential. If walk or bike access matters to you, check the specific address to confirm nearby amenities and routes before you decide.
Parks, green spaces, and things to do
77012 includes several neighborhood parks and community centers where you can join programs or unwind outdoors. According to the City of Houston, options include:
- De Zavala Park and DeZavala Pool
- Hartman Park and community center (indoor gym)
- Ingrando Park and community center
- Woodruff Park and several named greenspaces (Bollintom, Kellogg Street, Smith)
- Sections of the Brays Bayou green corridor
For current amenities and programming, review the City’s park listings for the ZIP on the City of Houston ZIP page.
East End culture and eats
Beyond parks, the East End’s Navigation Esplanade is known for striking public art and a lively community calendar. If murals are your thing, the district’s curated map highlights colorful spots throughout the area; start with the East End Houston mural guide. On weekends, look for pop-up markets along the Esplanade.
Dining is anchored by long-running local favorites. El JardÃn on Harrisburg and Don Carlos on 76th are examples of neighborhood Tex‑Mex/Mexican institutions that many locals recognize. You’ll also find casual bakeries, taquerias, and small businesses woven into everyday life across the ZIP.
Housing types you’ll find in 77012
The neighborhood mix
You will see a blend of modest single‑family homes and multi‑family addresses on these blocks. Older bungalows, mid‑century cottages, duplexes, and small apartment buildings are common, particularly along commercial corridors. In recent years, parts of the East End have seen new two‑story single‑family homes and townhome infill on redeveloped parcels, especially near Harrisburg, Telephone, and Lawndale. For a high-level look at the product mix and ZIP layout, check the East End overview on Houston Properties and the HometownLocator ZIP profile.
Price context and rents
Zip‑level data from Zillow places the typical 77012 home value around $152,796, using data through December 2025. Zillow’s observed asking rent index shows an average near $1,390 as of January 2026. Both figures are below many recent citywide medians, which have hovered in the low to mid $300,000s depending on the month. Prices and rents vary by street, property condition, and proximity to major roads, so use recent comps for accuracy. For current trend lines, see Zillow’s ZIP overview for Houston 77012.
Inventory and new construction signals
Active inventory is typically small, with listings spread among older single‑family homes, smaller multi‑family, and occasional new‑builds or townhome clusters. Redevelopment has been visible along key corridors like Harrisburg, Telephone, and Lawndale, which can influence price points on nearby blocks. The result is a neighborhood where opportunities exist at different budgets, but due diligence is essential at the address level.
A quick home shopper checklist
Use this simple list as you evaluate homes in 77012:
- Pull recent comps within the same block or nearby cross streets to avoid over‑reliance on ZIP averages.
- Ask about age, permits, and any major system updates. Many homes are older; foundation, roof, and plumbing checks are smart.
- Confirm commute patterns at the times you expect to travel. If you’re transit‑curious, test a route via the METRO site.
- Review parks, community centers, and local amenities that matter to you. The City of Houston ZIP page helps you spot options nearby.
- Complete a flood risk review with HCFCD and FEMA resources (more below) and ask for elevation information if available.
Schools and public services
Public schools serving parts of 77012 include De Zavala Elementary (PK–5), Deady Middle (6–8), and Milby High School (9–12). Charter options, such as YES Prep East End, also serve the broader East End. Attendance zones can vary by block, so always confirm the assigned campus for a specific address with HISD or the school directly. You can start your research with the De Zavala Elementary profile on the Texas Tribune’s school pages here.
For police services, the Houston Police Department’s Eastside Patrol Division covers this area. To understand current programs and find resources, visit HPD’s Eastside Division page here. Because crime patterns vary by block and time of day, review HPD resources and talk with neighbors for the most current local context.
Flood risk and due diligence
Flood risk is an important consideration anywhere in Harris County. The Harris County Flood Control District’s MAAPnext project and FEMA map viewers are your go‑to tools for updated floodplain and inundation data. HCFCD encourages every structure in Harris County to consider flood insurance, since urban flooding can impact areas outside traditional floodplains. Before you make an offer, check the FEMA FIRM status, review MAAPnext layers, and request any available elevation certificates. Start with HCFCD’s MAAPnext overview on Understand Your Risk.
Is 77012 a fit for you?
If you want a closer‑in location with practical commute options, everyday parks and community centers, and a mix of older homes and newer infill, 77012 is worth a look. Zip‑level prices are often lower than many central Houston neighborhoods, and the East End’s culture gives the area a strong sense of place. Like any Houston neighborhood, you’ll want to verify details block by block and use current comps before you decide.
If you’re weighing options or want help comparing homes, reach out to Shad Bogany to talk through your goals and next steps. Schedule a Free Home Consultation and get a clear plan tailored to you.
FAQs
How long is the commute from 77012 to Downtown Houston?
- Many East End commutes to Downtown run about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the block and time of day, with 10 to 25 minutes common across the area. See context on Houston Properties.
What housing types are common in 77012?
- You’ll see older bungalows and mid‑century cottages on many single‑family blocks, plus duplexes, small apartment buildings, and growing townhome or single‑family infill on redeveloped parcels.
What are typical home prices and rents in 77012?
- Zillow reports a typical 77012 home value near $152,796 (through Dec 2025) and an observed average asking rent around $1,390 (Jan 2026). Review the ZIP overview on Zillow and confirm with recent comps.
Are there parks and community centers in 77012?
- Yes. De Zavala Park and Pool, Hartman Park and community center, Ingrando Park and community center, Woodruff Park, and several greenspaces serve the ZIP. See details on the City of Houston ZIP page.
Does public transit serve 77012?
- METRO bus routes and proximity to the METRORail Green Line via the Magnolia Park Transit Center support East End commutes. Use the trip planner and route info on the METRO site.
What flood checks should I do before buying in 77012?
- Verify the property’s FEMA flood zone, review HCFCD MAAPnext layers, ask for any elevation certificates, and discuss flood insurance with your lender or insurer. Start with MAAPnext’s Understand Your Risk.
